If you’re looking for timeless furniture pieces with classic character and expert craftsmanship, you may have found yourself drawn to the sophisticated allure of mission-style furniture. These pieces are known for their sturdy construction and simple elegance.
In order to truly understand and appreciate mission furniture, you must learn to recognize the distinct characteristics of the wood used in its construction. From the rich tones of cherry to the warm hues of oak, each type of wood has unique qualities and contributes to the overall charm of the final piece.
In this helpful guide, we’ll examine the characteristics of five types of wood commonly used in mission furniture — oak, cherry, maple, walnut, and ash — so you can identify them next time you’re shopping for furniture.
Guidelines for Identifying Wood Types
While most reputable manufacturers provide information about the materials used in their products, it’s not always available, which is why it’s important to be able to identify wood types yourself — especially if you’re buying furniture secondhand.
However, before attempting to identify the type of wood used in a particular piece of furniture, there are a few questions you must ask.
First, is it solid wood, or is it a man-made composite like particleboard? Does it have a veneer? If it’s not solid wood, it will be a lot trickier to identify. Your best bet is to ask the sales clerk or manufacturer about its composition.
Next, look at the color of the wood. Is it natural, or has it been stained? Stains and finishes can obscure details and make one type of wood look like another, so unless you have extensive experience, you may not be able to identify the wood species. If possible, look for surfaces that haven’t been stained, such as the underside of a tabletop or the backside of a dresser.
#1. Identifying Oak Wood
Since mission furniture is traditionally made with oak wood, let’s start there. Oak is one of the hardest, toughest woods and is known for its water resistance, which makes it perfect for furniture pieces that will see heavy use over the years.
There are two main types of oak wood — white and red. White oak is typically a light beige or brown, while red oak has rosy red or pink hues. Oak has a regular, straight grain pattern, very few knots or imperfections, and an uneven texture with pores, rings, and flecks.
#2. Identifying Cherry Wood
With its light pink or golden hue that darkens over time to a rich reddish-brown, cherry wood is another popular choice for furniture, mission-style or otherwise. It’s classified as a hardwood; however, it is not quite as durable as oak, maple, walnut, or ash.
Cherry has a smooth, closed-grain pattern similar to maple. Depending on the way the tree grew, one piece of cherry wood can have contrasting grain patterns, creating a unique appearance. The closer the wood was to the tree’s center, the darker its grain is, with the lightest parts found closest to the bark.
#3. Identifying Maple Wood
Maple is the strongest type of wood on this list and is known for its impressive durability. Typically, maple furniture is made using the sapwood of a maple tree — the part that’s closer to the bark layer. This gives the wood its light color, with red or brown tints from mineral streaks. It can also have pitch flecks, which are areas where the wood was injured, leading to the formation of darker spots. Over time, maple furniture will darken, developing a golden tint.
#4. Identifying Walnut Wood
Black walnut wood is relatively easy to identify thanks to its dark color, high density, and tight, straight grain. While some types of walnut can be light brown or yellow, most walnut furniture is made from the chocolate-brown heartwood found in the center of the tree. It’s tough and durable, with a hardness value between that of oak and cherry.
#5. Identifying Ash Wood
Ash wood is typically very light in color, with various shades of beige that tend to darken only slightly over time. It almost always has a straight grain but can occasionally grow in unique patterns. It’s lightweight yet durable, making it a popular choice for everything from furniture to baseball bats to tools.
Fine Wood Furniture in Salt Lake City, Utah
At Sugar House Furniture, we are proud to provide heirloom-quality oak, cherry, and maple furniture crafted by experienced artisans. Whether you’re searching for a perfect statement piece or a full set, our mission furniture is sure to stand the test of time. Come visit us in Salt Lake City to see what we have to offer!
